Leco Corporation (United States)

The impact of pulsing a radio frequency (RF) glow discharge lamp on analytical aspects in glow discharge optical emission spectrometry (GD-OES) was investigated. The experiments were done with a LECO GDS950 spectrometer. This instrument has a fixed pulse frequency of 320 Hz and adjustable pulse duty cycles (PDC) 100%-6.4%. In the first part, emission yields (EY) were studied by measuring coated steel samples in compositional depth profiling (CDP) mode. Variations in EY were measured by integrating the intensity of emission lines from several elements through the entire coatings at several PDC settings. The results show generally small EY variations. For improved accuracy, a set of correction constants is suggested. In the second part, the impact on signal-to-background (S/B), signal-to-noise-noise (S/N), and precision was investigated using "high current" pulsing. This means increased pulse power leaving the average power constant at the different PDC settings. The samples were a low alloy steel and a high purity iron blank (background) sample. The results showed significant increase of the S/B and S/N for four out of six spectral lines investigated at increasing pulse power, showing potential for improved detection limits (DL). Furthermore, there was a tendency towards improved precision with higher pulse power. Finally, the effect on depth resolution in CDP was investigated by running a ZnNi coated steel using "high current" pulsing. It was found that the depth resolution was unaffected up to 30% PDC.

A stop function that takes into considerations the principle of human behavior is defined as a ``Anshin Stop Switch'' and proposed as a cooperative safety technology for humans and machines. To confirm its effectiveness, we conducted a questionnaire survey among employees working in a robot restaurant in operation to confirm its hazard avoidance effect and its influence on future behavior. The results were organized as ``Safety Behavior Design Diagram'' based on ``Applied Behavior Analysis'' and its basic effectiveness was confirmed.

This study done at the Instituto Tecnologico de Nuevo Leon assessed the digital skills of Business Management Engineering students using the External Factor Evaluation (EFE) and Internal Factor Evaluation (IFE) matrices.The students scored 2.57 in EFE and 2.44 in IFE, indicating that their digital competencies align reasonably well with market expectations and technological advancements.However, there is significant room for improvement in critical areas such as cybersecurity and programming to enhance their employability.The analysis involved collecting evaluations from 20 significant employers, providing a comprehensive view of the program strengths and weaknesses.EFE matrix highlighted opportunities such as trends in technological innovation and industry collaborations, while identifying threats like government education policies and academic competition.IFE matrix pointed out internal strengths like the institution's location in a technological innovation zone and academic agreements with the industry, as well as weaknesses such as insufficient technological infrastructure and resistance to change.The study underscores the importance of a strategic focus on continuous improvement and adaptation to emerging technologies and market demands.It calls for an educational transformation that prioritizes constant updates in digital competencies to ensure that graduates remain competitive and employable in a rapidly changing labor market.

e13545 Background: Many patients with advanced and metastatic cancer, who are potentially eligible for biomarker-directed targeted agents, do not receive them, with biomarker undertesting reported as a major factor. Little is known about non-medical factors that negatively impact treatment and outcomes, particularly in underserved communities. This study implemented screening for social determinants of health (SDOH) to identify barriers to precision medicine beyond biomarker testing for these patients. Methods: Four community oncology practice sites (GA, SC, FL), selected for their focus on underserved populations, consented patients to a prospective clinico-genomic database registry (May 2021-Dec 2023). Registry participants completed an SDOH questionnaire at the time of comprehensive genomic profile (CGP) test order. Questionnaire items were grouped by SDOH domain (economic stability, education, health care access, neighborhood/built environment, and social/community), with each potential response coded as either a positive or negative indicator for patient health. Negative indicators were summed at the item, domain, and survey levels for each patient, and aggregate frequencies tabulated. Results: Among 447 CGP-tested registry participants (24 solid tumor types, stage III/IV), 331 (74%) completed SDOH screening. Although non-White registry participants were highly represented among patients who completed SDOH screening (31.7%), unscreened patients had an even higher frequency of non-Whites (49.1%), particularly Black (14.2% v 24.8%) and American Indian/Alaska Native (10.3% v 18.1%) patients. Nearly all patients (99%) reported having health insurance, most frequently Medicare (69.2%). A small number of patients (5.4%) reported transportation issues that kept them from medical appointments. By domain, negative indicators for economic stability (46.2%), and social and community context (42.3%) were the most frequently reported, while healthcare access (14.5%), and neighborhood and built environment (9.4%) were the least common. Lack of socialization (27.5%), depression (21.5%), and very low income <$1200/month (20.8%), were the most frequently reported individual indicators. Overall, 74.5% of CGP-tested patients harboring genomic variants for oncology practice guideline-indicated therapies and/or marker-driven clinical trials reported having at least one negative indicator. Conclusions: SDOH-screening in community practice is feasible and identifies specific interventional areas among disadvantaged, vulnerable, advanced cancer patients. Increased screening among underserved, particularly for non-White patients, is needed to address their support needs beyond health insurance and biomarker testing, and improve their access to and participation in precision medicine clinical trials.

À partir d’une séance de consultation unique avec une jeune femme évoquant son frère jumeau, les auteurs soulignent les entraves notamment mélancoliques du travail de séparation dans le contexte de la fin d’adolescence, ouvrant sur un dégagement vis-à-vis des objets d’amour primaire. Ce mouvement d’ensemble est souvent nommé sommairement « séparation » ; nous interrogeons par rebond le sens de ce terme, utilisé comme un mot bouchon amenant l’illusion d’une compréhension commune, immédiate et précise, pour lui substituer l’expression de différenciation/personnalisation.

Abstract Genomic assault in the form of DNA double-strand breaks represents the most efficient mechanism by which radiotherapy mediates killing of cancer cells. In order to preserve cellular integrity and mitigate the adverse effects and complications arising from insult to healthy tissues, a fractionated dosing regimen, where low doses of ionizing radiation are administered over a course of several days, is the principal mode of radiation therapy in clinical settings. Additionally, it has been demonstrated that fractionated dosing has a greater capacity to elicit anti-tumor activity and immune mediated abscopal response, compared to bolus delivery. However, in most preclinical animal models of cancer that employ the use of focal beam radiation, administration of a single bolus dose is the standard practice. To establish a more translationally relevant approach to radiation therapy, we utilized computerized tomography (CT) guided Small Animal Radiation Research Platform (SARRP) in three murine subcutaneous tumor models, MB-49 (bladder), B16F10 (melanoma) and MC38 (colon). Each treatment cohort was subjected to a fractionated dosing regimen, and response was assessed by caliper measurements of tumor volume. Therapy was well tolerated across all models and dosing regimens, as evidenced by no significant body weight loss or presentation of adverse clinical symptoms compared to controls. Fractionated focal radiation at 2Gy delivered over a course of five consecutive days (QDx5) induced a modest anti-tumor response in the MB-49 model, resulting in a 66.7% increase in time to progression (ITP) and a 64.1% median ΔT/ΔC on day 16 post implant. Mice bearing MC38 tumors exhibited meaningful response with incidences of 55% ITIP and a median ΔT/ΔC of 29% on day 26, following treatment with radiation at 2Gy, QDx5. Additionally, fractionated doses at 10Gy and 5Gy both delivered Q5Dx2 produced robust anti-tumor response in the B16F10 model, with incidences of 5% and 21% median ΔT/ΔC on Day 15, respectively. Though notable responses were observed across all treatment cohorts, there were no incidences of tumor free survivors or complete regressions, thus allowing for additional therapeutic intervention and synergistic approaches. Further assessment of fractionated dosing regimens in additional mouse models, as well as potential impact on immunomodulation, are ongoing. Over 50% of cancer patients are treated with radiotherapy, with a significant portion requiring integration with other therapeutic modalities to enhance survival and curative benefits. It is therefore imperative to identify appropriate fractionated dose levels and schedules across preclinical cancer models, in order to more accurately reflect the clinical landscape and provide a more viable framework for interrogating rational combination strategies. Citation Format: Kerry-Ann Bright, Derrik Germain, Erin Trachet, Sheri Barnes. Fractionated dosing: A more clinically relevant approach to radiotherapy in preclinical tumor models [abstract]. In: Proceedings of the American Association for Cancer Research Annual Meeting 2023; Part 1 (Regular and Invited Abstracts); 2023 Apr 14-19; Orlando, FL. Philadelphia (PA): AACR; Cancer Res 2023;83(7_Suppl):Abstract nr 2402.

Standard genetic testing can fail to identify an underlying genetic etiology in pregnancies affected by multiple fetal abnormalities. Recently, whole exome sequencing (WES) studies have shown promise in recognizing genetic diagnoses where standard genetic testing does not yield answers. A 35-year-old G1P0 healthy female found at anatomy scan to have multiple fetal anomalies, including severe bilateral ventriculomegaly, renal pyelectasis, and short long bones. Karyotype and microarray were normal. Whole exome sequencing showed the fetus was compound heterozygous for likely pathogenic variants in the ROBO1 gene. In the presence of multiple fetal anomalies with normal karyotype and microarray, whole exome sequencing should be considered to not only provide answers for the affected parents, but also aid in future pregnancy planning.

BackgroundThe PhageDx™Cronobacter Assay is based on the infection of Cronobacter spp. by specific bacteriophages and expression of a luciferase reporter gene. Results are generated in as little as 18.5 h for powdered infant formula (PIF).ObjectiveAn AOAC Performance Tested MethodsSM (PTM) study was conducted to validate the PhageDx Cronobacter Assay for the detection of Cronobacter in 10, 100, and 300 g milk- and soy-based PIF test portions.MethodThe performance of the PhageDx method was compared to the ISO 22964:2006/2017 Microbiology of the Food Chain—Horizontal Method for the Detection of Cronobacter spp. and the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) Bacteriological Analytical Manual (BAM) Chapter 29 Cronobacter: 2012. Inclusivity/exclusivity, product consistency and stability, and robustness testing also were conducted.ResultsThere was no significant difference between the 10, 100, or 300 g test portions for the milk and soy PIF matrixes between the PhageDx Cronobacter Assay, the ISO 22964:2006/2017, and the FDA BAM Chapter 29 Cronobacter: 2012 methods. The reporter bacteriophages were specific for Cronobacter and infected 75 strains in inclusivity testing. They did not infect 35 non-Cronobacter bacteria in exclusivity testing. Robustness testing showed that the method performed well with specific deviations from the standard protocol. Consistency and stability testing demonstrated that the recombinant phage gave consistent results across three production lots and was stable when stored under appropriate conditions for at least 3 months.ConclusionsWork in the submitting and independent laboratories demonstrated that the PhageDx Cronobacter Assay meets the qualifications for PTM status.HighlightsThe PhageDx Cronobacter Assay is a rapid, simple, and specific test that has shown equivalence to both the FDA BAM and ISO reference methods for detecting Cronobacter spp. in PIF.

Mummification is one of the defining customs of ancient Egypt. The nuances of the embalming procedure and the composition of the embalming mixtures have attracted the attention of scientists and laypeople for a long time. Modern analytical tools make mummy studies more efficient. Comprehensive two-dimensional gas chromatography-high resolution mass spectrometry (GCxGC/HRMS) with complementary ionization methods (electron ionization, positive chemical ionization, and electron capture negative ionization [ECNI]) with a Pegasus GC-HRT+4D instrument was used to identify embalming components in the mummy from the Pushkin Museum of Fine Arts acquired in 1913 in London at the de Rustafjaell sale. The mummy dates back to the late Predynastic period (direct accelerator mass spectrometry-dating 3356-3098 bc), being one of the oldest in the world. The results showed the complexity of the embalming mixtures that were already in use 5000 years ago. Several hundred organic compounds were identified in the mummy samples. Various types of hydrocarbons (triterpanes, steranes, isoprenoid, and polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons) prove the presence of petroleum products. Iodinated compounds detected using ECNI define oils of marine origin, whereas esters of palmitic acid indicate the use of beeswax. The nature of the discovered components of conifer tar proves that the preliminary processing of conifer resins involved heating. GCxGC/HRMS also allowed a number of modern contaminants (phthalates, organophosphates, and even DDT) to be identified. Application of a powerful GCxGC/HRMS technique with complementary ionization methods allowed significant widening of the range of organic compounds used for mummification that could be identified. The complexity of the embalming mixtures supports the hypothesis of the high social status of the child made on the basis of the preliminary study of the mummy.